That's a unique touch-sensitive jog and shuttle strip. It can detect when it is touched by your finger, and can also determine if you are using one finger or two (spaced slightly apart). It is typically used to control the project timeline, much like a jog/shuttle wheel, only faster. Put two fingers down on it and you're ready to shuttle. Slide them a bit to the right, and you shuttle slowly to the right. Slide further right and go faster, or left and slow down and even go backwards. Now lift one finger, with just one finger touching, and you directly control the timeline. Scroll left or right to place the “now” time precisely where you want it.